The area set to hit 33C this weekend - as heatwave to sweep England

Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for most of England - with temperatures forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F) this weekend.

Only the North East and North West are exempt from the UK Health Security Agency's latest warnings for England, which comes into force at 12pm on Wednesday and expires at 6pm on Sunday. The alert indicates that people with pre-existing health conditions, and those aged over 65, could be at higher risk.

Check the weather forecast where you are Forecasters say the East of England is likely to see the highest temperatures, which wouldn't be far off the June record of 35.6C (90F) set in 1976. There is currently a 15% chance of a new record being set.

It could reach the low 30s across the rest of England and Wales, and the mid-to-high 20s in Scotland and Northern Ireland. According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday.

Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with "tropical nights" a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory. Those who are not a fan of the heat will be pleased to know that high pressure is expected to move away early next week - meaning temperatures should fall.

"However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK," Mr Holley added. The heat coincides with the summer solstice, when UV levels are at their peak and nights at their shortest, so there will be little relief once it is dark.

There will be some locally very warm nights - especially in western Scotland - which will exacerbate any heat health impacts. Grass pollen levels will be mostly high to very high over the next few days, but extreme temperatures can contribute to lower levels.

The forecast means we are likely to see the hottest day of the year so far - eclipsing the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk. Ice cream makers, meanwhile, have said "it's their Christmas time.